08.05.2024 – 2min

年轻血液可能是逆转衰老的关键

The relentless march of time brings with it a gradual decline in cellular function. This process, known as aging, disrupts the delicate balance within our cells, hindering their ability to repair and maintain themselves. The consequences manifest as a decline in physiological functions, leaving us susceptible to a multitude of age-related diseases. However, a recent groundbreaking study published in Nature Aging offers a glimmer of hope. The research team, utilizing cutting-edge tools like the PhenoMaster, has unraveled a novel approach to potentially combat pre-existing aging.

Their findings center around the power of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), tiny messengers found within our blood plasma. Remarkably, sEVs isolated from young mice displayed a remarkable ability to rejuvenate aged mice at various levels – from the intricate molecular machinery within cells to the overall physiological function of multiple tissues. This rejuvenation was achieved through intravenous injections, delivering these youthful messengers directly into the aged organism.

The magic behind this cellular rejuvenation seems to lie in the activation of a key cellular player: PGC-1α. This protein acts as a master regulator, orchestrating the powerhouse of the cell – the mitochondria. By stimulating PGC-1α expression, young sEVs essentially empower the mitochondria to function more efficiently, boosting cellular energy metabolism. This newfound vigor translates into a reversal of age-associated decline, evident in the extended lifespan, mitigation of cellular senescence (a hallmark of aging), and improved function of various tissues in the aged mice.

The beauty of this approach lies in the inherent nature of sEVs. These natural communication channels readily transport rejuvenating factors throughout the body without triggering unwanted side effects like toxicity or immune reactions. This paves the way for sEVs to potentially become a versatile tool in our fight against aging, promoting lifelong health and well-being.

Source:
Chen, X., Luo, Y., Zhu, Q., Zhang, J., Huang, H., Kan, Y., … & Chen, X. (2024). Small extracellular vesicles from young plasma reverse age-related functional declines by improving mitochondrial energy metabolism. Nature Aging, 1-25.